Soon, FOB to aid safe crossing of highway in Dapodi

PUNE: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will construct a foot overbridge (FOB) in Dapodi to make it safe for the PMPML bus commuters to cross the Pune-Mumbai highway. The civic body widened the highway from 42 metres to 61 metres around a year back.
The standing committee of the civic body recently approved a resolution for the appointment of a consultant, who will prepare the design and estimated cost of the FOB work in two months.It will take another three months to complete the tender process and appoint a contractor to implement the project. Construction of the FOB will be completed in nine months after the work order is issued, said a civic official.
Vijay Bhojane, spokesperson, BRTS cell said, "The civic body will be constructing a FOB to enable the bus commuters to cross the 61-metre wide highway safely. The civic body has made a provision of Rs 1 crore in its annual budget."
Sanjay Kate, corporator from Dapodi-Bopkhel area said, "Around 50,000 residents live in three wards of Dapodi who have been affected by the closure of the Dapodi chowk on the highway. To avoid long detours, many motorists take the wrong side of the highway to reach the nearest chowk. This has caused some minor accidents. The PCMC and traffic police must reopen the chowk for traffic."
Raju Savale, vice-president, environment cell of Pimpri Chinchwad unit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said, "The highway was first widened to 42 metres around five years back. There was a traffic signal at the junction. It has now been widened to 61 metres by acquiring land of College of Military Engineering (CME). It is dangerous for people to cross the road."
Jai Singh Kate, another resident of Dapodi said, "People coming from Dapodi gaothan, old and new Sangvi, Pimpale Gurav and nearby areas cross the highway to take a bus to Bopodi, Khadki and Pune by risking their lives."